As the first light of day made itself known to the city, it fell upon a shivering young man, sourly waiting at a bus stop. It was the same routine everyday; get up at some ungodly hour, prepare for work, before slouching off into the early morning chill to wait. Drawing his jacket closer around his neck, he tiredly wished once again that he didn't have to go. Nothing exciting was going to happen while gutting fish. Well, maybe he'd find something unexpected in their intestines. Or Joseph could cut off another finger…
Glancing up the road for any signs of his ride, he reached into his pocket for a small red cellphone, flipping it open casually. Checking the time half-heartedly, he sighed heavily before shoving his hands back in his pockets.
"Get a job Rai, it'll be good for you Rai. We need the money Rai." He grumbled as he scuffed his foot against the pavement, "I'd like to see her work for just once in her life."
Searching the deserted road once again, he started to rock on his heels, boredom dragging him down with each passing minute. If only he'd given into his urge to buy a coffee along the way. He'd feel warmer then, maybe even appreciated the sunrise a little more as well. Playing with the phone in his pocket, he watched as a couple of sparrows fought over some unfortunate grub across the street, letting his thoughts drift away with the light breeze. Unconsciously his face lifted towards the sunlight like a dying flower, soaking in the little warmth and attention it offered as he continued to shiver. It'd most likely be the only daylight he'd see today. As he absorbed this fact, he wished the bus would take it's time so he could enjoy the morning. Pulling the phone out again to double check the time, he stopped when he saw the small message icon for the first time. Curious he opened it, frowning as he read the broken Portuguese.
How do you know that his bitch?
"Whaaaat?" Raimundo exclaimed, staring at the phone in shock. Hastily typing an intelligent response, he hit the send button before even considering to double check the number. Upon seeing a long string of random numbers he gulped nervously, knowing Clarice was going to kill him when she got her hands on her phone again. As he set about deleting the evidence, the phone lit up, indicating the arrival of a new message. Opening it nervously, he could only stare.
You, txt me. As the baby you know me?
It all clicked. A chuckle sounded in his throat, bubbling up until his was in full hysterics. Early morning commuters eyed him strangely as he leaned against the bus shelter wall as he laughed his guts out. It took a while for him to regain control of his breathing, and as he slid down onto the bench, he quickly typed out an amused response.
It spoke to me the same way you do. Plus, it kicks like you do.
He was still grinning like an idiot when the bus finally pulled up. Paying his fare, he ignored the other zombie like passengers as he made his way to an available seat. As the forty minute journey began, he continued to glance at the small screen, waiting eagerly for the reply. Five minutes in to the trip, it bestowed him with a response.
Oh. Does it have a third eye you?
As far as I know, no. But quite possibly your buck teeth.
The usually boring bus ride was rather enjoyable after this, and by the time they had reached the bridge, he found it hard to keep his chuckles quiet. Flipping open the phone for what seemed the millionth time, he read the txt slowly, piecing together the odd translation.
It's just curious why I txt in the first place?
The smile slipped off his face slightly as he wondered how to respond. He hadn't really expected to have to answer that. Twiddling his thumbs thoughtfully, he stared at the message a while longer, before hesitantly tapping out a reply. Truth was, he had been incredibly bored last night after work, and stealing his sister's phone hadn't fulfilled his mischievous streak. While surfing the net, he'd seen a quote stating that 'when bored, txt a random number 'I'm pregnant'. You're welcome'. At that point he'd been willing enough to test this, so after entering a long string of random numbers, this situation had begun. He really didn't think anyone would have replied. Looking up from the 'message sent' icon, he saw that some of his fellow passengers were eyeing him curiously, causing him to scowl in return. He realised it must have looked funny, having gone from a giggling mess to pensive in a matter of minutes. Turning around in his seat, he looked up the coastline to the North, watching as the waves hit the sand. Just one more week. One more week and he could avoid these judging eyes and early morning starts. From his little spot on the rickety bus, Rio de Janerio had never looked so far away.
The bus bumped back onto the mainland, sweeping past the numerous trucks and scooters as it made its way towards Laguna. Resting his forehead against the cool glass, Raimundo closed his eyes tiredly, wishing for time to speed along. He'd give anything to be at the beach right now. Or even the dojo. A faint buzzing from his clenched hand caught his attention, making him pull his head away from the window curiously. Remembering the txt conversation that had only moments ago had him so enraptured, he looked at the reply timidly, unaware as his mouth quirked into a familiar smile.
Really? Well. I txted you happy. It made my day ... is certainly interesting.
Ah, translations. You gotta love them.
Haha, I'm glad I could add a spark to your day. My name's Raimundo by the way.
As he finished replying, the bus pulled up to his stop, earning a heavy sigh from him. Gathering his stuff together, he made his way outside, acknowledging the driver with a thankful nod as he did. Pausing on the sidewalk for a moment, he looked back across the harbour towards Rio, praying to every known deity to transport him away. After a moment, when nothing had happened, he hefted his bag further up his shoulder and headed towards the factory, the phone vibrating silently in his pocket.
Kimiko.
With a tired yawn, Kimiko gently placed her glasses beside her work before rubbing at her face furiously. Blurry eyed and with a headache the size of Africa, she glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner of the living room. Nearly 1 am. Groaning, she slumped back against the comfy armchair, wishing for the paperwork to complete itself. At this rate she'd be up all night, and she really needed some sleep. Biting her lip thoughtfully, her gaze travelled to the liquor cabinet, wondering if she should risk it. She was halfway out of her seat before her brain caught up to her, forcing her to sit back down roughly, scolding herself. What would the shrink say? She could just see Dr. Ueda's frown as she haughtily told her to not given to temptations.
That and she should be sleeping.
Lazily she looked back over the scatter notes and invoices, wondering if she should risk it. She didn't really feel like moving and though the chair was comfy, she'd wake up with a kink in her back and neck that'd bother her for the rest of the day. As she grudgingly willed her limbs to move, her phone beeped at her merrily, causing her to jump. Remembering the time, she wondered who in the world would be txting her as she reached out for her glasses before opening the message.
Kimiko? Well, it's nice to meet you.
Smiling as she realised that it was the Brazilian, she settled back in her seat, fingers sluggishly moving across the screen.
And you. So, what do I owe for this late night txt?
Yawning, she shifted around until she was comfortable, paperwork forgotten as she wrapped her blanket closer around her.
It is a time of night it? However, it's lunch time I here.
Giggling at the translation, she realised she hadn't informed him of the time differences.
While it may be lunch time in Brazil, it's past midnight- and my bed time- here in Tokyo.
I'm from Brazil as you know?
Cursing her actions under her breath, she explained how she had tracked the number before first replying to him.
Aw persecution you. I feel very honoured. Was the amused response, causing her to blush when she properly translated it.
"Stalker. I'm not a stalker." She grumbled as she replied, her eyes shimmering in amusement.
The next half an hour flew by as they conversed, Kimiko's fatigue pushed to the back of her mind as she tried to outwit her new companion. The room was silent bar the rhythmic tick of the clock in the corner and her nails occasionally hitting the screen, as the sound of late night traffic drifted through the building. The low light wasn't helping her already sore eyes, and she found herself constantly pushing her glasses back up the bridge of her nose as time passed. After replying to a teasing question about her gender, she was startled by the chime of the half hour. Surprised, she eyed the clock hands cautiously, as if they'd revert back to normal soon. When they didn't, the fatigue from earlier swept over her, just as Raimundo replied.
Cold girl! The problem was only that XD Anyway, I have to go, it is over the lunch hour :(
Barely able to keep her eyes open, she smiled as she said farewell, uncaring if it didn't make sense. Five minutes later, she was fast asleep as her phone continued to chirp its merry tune in her lap, smile still on her lips.
Hnodnighv? Haha, well, good night to you too. Sleep tight :)